SB Nation - Chris Davis

Tennessee Titans Morning Links: It's Just The Tale Of A Heart Attack Edition

August West — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:59:48 -0000

Jeff Fisher has a lot to do to earn that smirk...

The Titans are preparing for the always dangerous workhorse Frank Gore this Sunday. If they had trouble tackling MJD on a few plays, they'll need to focus twice as hard on the much stronger Gore. Wyatt also discuss the new questions surrounding the return game as no one knows if Chris Davis or Alvin Pearman will be returning kicks and/or punts.

Maybe after all those snaps the defense just Need(s) Some Air... by the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club!

The Sporting News breaks-down Vince Young on the cover, then pairs off the keys for the game as we prepare for San Francisco. the third one id no breakdowns in the secondary, and given how bad our breakdowns have been (more like meltdowns), I'd bump that puppy right up to number one.

Follow us through the jump for links on disappointments, injuries and a match made in football heaven...

The Titans are using a large defensive line rotation as expected, but the results from some guys just haven't been there. Off-season pick-up Jovan Haye has really been a letdown so far. He's been great against the run, but that isn't what we need right now, so he and his 4-year $16 million deal were inactive Sunday while second round pick Sen'Derrick Marks got his first meaningful playing time.

PFW takes a more in-depth look at Haye's struggles.

The match between the Titans and Rod Hood is going about as well as can be expected so far for a mid-season signing of a street free agent at a starting position on defense. Hood sounds absolutely euphoric about getting this shot and the early returns.

David Stewart injured his hammy at practice, but the injury doesn't appear to be much of a concern at this point. It's a little easier for an O-lineman to play through that than a WR or CB. the only thing that gets dicey about that is our only experienced depth there, OT Mike Otto, hasn't practiced in about two weeks. I've never seen then swing LeRoy Harris out there, so I'm guessing that would make Troy Kropog, who was active for his first game last week, the next in line should Stewart be a scratch on Sunday.

Paul Kuharsky takes a look at the strength of schedule for AFC South teams through the first half and second half of the year. We had the 3rd hardest schedule in the NFL through week 8, and like the other top 4 teams in that count we have a crap record to show for it.

Vince Young still has many tests yet to come this season, says David Climer.

The match-up between MLB Stephen Tulloch and Frank Gore on Sunday is a key one for the Titans, and it's a quite interesting one since the two men have been competing against each other since the earliest days of pee wee football. Think they haven't seen each other since? Wrong: they played at rival high schools, then both played in the ACC (though Gore's years at Miami were marred by two ACL injuries that limited his playing time).

Here, Stephen Tulloch blogs about the first win, and gives some heads-up about the charity work he'll be doing with Backfield in Motion to help feed the needy on Thanksgiving Day.

Every time you read a great Titans-related story on the web and don't share it with the MCM community through the fanposts, fanshots or by emailing me at mcmaugustwest@gmail.com a Ravens (or Steelers) fan smiles. Is that what you want?!!!!?!?!

Tennessee Titans Morning Links: CJ's Awesomeness Average Continues To Grow Edition

August West — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:04:12 -0000

More photos » by Wade Payne - AP

If CJ's going to get 2,000 yards he's going to need a lot of barf bags, never mind the cars for his O-line.

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Sunday's match-up will feature a coaching duel steeped in Chicago Bears tradition as former teammates Jeff Fisher and Mike Singletary square-off. Here, Coach Fisher shares some of his thoughts about his former teammate and current opponent.

Sunday's game will also feature two highly drafted QBs who are attempting to prove to their respective teams that they have the chops to thrive in the league. Both Vince Young and Alex Smith have lost their jobs and taken a beating in the press at times, and have thrown the exact same number of TDs (23) and INTs (33).

It's been nearly 40 years since any week 8 rushing leader averaged better than Chris Johnson's 6.92 yards per carry, and that rattling you hear is the 49ers run defense after watching the film reel. However, the 49ers currently rank 2nd in the NFL at stopping the run (84.9 yards per game), and they handled studly running back Steven Jackson earlier in the year.

Our recent history west of the Rockies is a bit gory: after a string of 8 straight losses out there, we're sitting at 1-9 in the last 10 games.

Follow us through the jumps for a pile of better than usual links...

Chris Johnson's absurd production so far this season continues to turn heads.

Chris Davis is humbled by his DUI experience, and wants nothing more than to make the most out of this second chance he's been given.

Kevin Mawae talks about being voted as one of the league's dirtiest players (the complete list included Cortland Finnegan as well), and notes that he can't remember the last personal foul he got... which seems odd for a notoriously dirty player.

The Sporting News went deep to come-up with a the All-Time greatest defense of Titans/Oilers players. make sure you take some time to read this primer of the Oilers days as only punter Craig Hentrich makes the list from the Titans era.

PFW's latest edition of Audibles has an interesting note about our upcoming opponent, who are mired in a 3 game losing streak:

• "Mike Singletary's bravado will only carry the 49ers so far. At some point, you have to be able to coach and teach and get past all the bravado. You can't turn chicken (feathers) into chicken salad with a bunch of fist pumps. At some point, it becomes negative because everyone has heard it enough. He called a timeout in the first half just to rally the guys (vs. Atlanta in Week Five) — to get them all around him and give an 'Iron Mike' speech — and it wound up costing them seven points. The ball was not fumbled on the kickoff (before the first half ended), but they did not have a timeout to challenge the call. It's another pants-down thing. You have to be better than that in the NFL."

A tip of the hat to gramsey for pointing it out, and a much heartier congratulations to Steve McNair Jr., who has chosen to matriculate down the football field at Southern Miss. Interestingly enough, Steve's father usually hosted his summer QB clinics on the campus of Southern Miss, so the campus locale is pretty familiar to the young WR recruit.

Tennessee Titans Cut Four Players Including Mark Jones and Paul Williams

Jimmy — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 18:55:42 -0000

More photos » by Mark Humphrey - AP

Missed it by this much. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File)

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The Titans have already started to trim the roster down towards the required 53 with four cuts this afternoon. The number doesn't have to be 53 until tomorrow, but the Titans started today by cutting return man Mark Jones, wide receiver Paul Williams, offensive lineman Jason Murphy, and wide receiver Phillip Morris.

Obviously Jones is a bit of a surprise to me because I projected him to make the 53 man roster this morning but nothing earth shattering so far. I have no idea who they are going to use on punts considering the only three people they used in preseason to return punts were Chris Davis, Ryan Mouton, and Jones.

[UPDATE]- Scout.com is reporting Casey Cramer has been cut as well.

[UPDATE #2]- Rocky Boiman and Josh Stamer have also been cut.

[UPDATE #3]- Demarcus Faggins- HE GONE!

[UPDATE #4]- Tuff Harris and Nick Schommer gone. They are killing my 53 man.

[UPDATE #5]- Fernando Velasco out.

[UPDATE #6]- Playmaking tight end Mathew Mulligan released.

[UPDATE #7]- The most famous preseason punter in NFL history, AJ Trapasso has also been let go.

[UPDATE #8]- Shake's boy Mitch King will not be joining the 2009 fun.

[UPDATE #9]- Tanard Davis the latest casualty. We don't need no stinkin corners.

[UPDATE #10]- Cory Lekkerkerker no mas.

[UPDATE #11]- Rodney Ferguson II gone. That's 17 today. 5 more cuts to make.

[UPDATE #12]- LaJuan Ramsey and Ryan Durand cut.

Tennessee Titans Morning Links: The Injuries Are Piling Up Edition

August West — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 13:49:42 -0000

More photos » by Donna McWilliam - AP

Believe me, no one is sicker about the loss of Washington than this fella right here...

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As we probably all know by now, Nate Washington went down with an apparent hamstring injury yesterday at practice, and will miss the rest of the pre-season at the least. It's not quite cause for panic yet, but the last thing this team and fanbase needs is lingering injuries to the team's most improved unit.

The Titans' players Jim Wyatt talked to see a connection in Chris Davis being cut and his recent DUI. That's probably because they aren't brain dead.

Speaking of needing to get the led out and get back on the practice field, you can lump DT Jason Jones (who is still injured) into that group as well. LenDale White and Jevon Kearse were also dinged-up yesterday, but they seem to be well enough to keep going.

Follow us through the link for more injury related notes...

Of course this turn of events offers Florio the perfect opportunity reiterate his seemingly baseless speculation as a previously established fact. Never mind the fact that it's neither established or a fact.

Keith Bulluck; still the man.

DannoE called it as soon as news hit here: 3rd rounder Ryan Mouton has a high ankle sprain. That'll take longer than originally thought to heal.

The Titans Cheerleaders will unveil this year's swimsuit calander tomorrow, August 25th, at Cabana over in Hillsboro Village. More details can be found here.

If there's anything you would like to share with the MCM community, please take advantage of the comments, fanshots and fanposts to do so! Or, you can always email me at mcmaugustwest@gmail.com.

Tennessee Titans Morning Links: Put 'em Through The Ringer Edition

August West — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 14:13:46 -0000

More photos » by Sharon Ellman - AP

Cowboys fans realize that their screen is so big and so clear it's like the FAIL is happening in the seat in front of you.

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The one thing to really take away from Friday's preseason game was that Javon Ringer has the 3rd running back spot pretty well locked down. Adding some specials teams value with his big kick return just sealed the deal. That man looks better and better every time he gets the ball, and he has the variety of skills you want in a running back who is there to provide depth.

Finally, after weeks of lingering injuries kept him confined to the training room, return specialist Mark Jones will be practicing. Lets not forget that he has had some pretty solid success with the Panthers, and most importantly, has a very solid history of protecting he ball. If all goes well we should some quieting down of the panic over the return game.

Jim Wyatt says Dominique Edison is a serious threat to bump the recently booked Chris Davis off the 53 man roster. If that happens then you obviously have to look at the DUI as a part of that formula, but it'll still be a good story for an undrafted free agent a sixth round pick to make the roster over several more heralded prospects.

Follow us through the jump to find-out who is calling Jeff Fisher a liar from a safe distance....

Tony Brown got fined $7,500 for tackling Byron Leftwich to the ground. That may be one of the worst penalties and fines I can remember in a long time. All Brown did was wrap him up and finish the tackle. If the league is going to be even more protective of QBs then they better start making them carry those play charts in purses.

Ringer has impressed Smash and Dash, but he's still got a good ways to go before they'll just drop a nickname on the rookie.

SoCal Titan points us towards a recent radio interview Jeff Fisher did with ESPN Radio in Dallas. There's good stuff in here about replacing Albert, coaching Vince Young and much more.

Sunday was apparently a very good day for VY throwing the ball out at Baptist Sports Park, which is nice because Friday sure wasn't much to shake a stick at.

David Stewart sounds like a bowl full of laughs. Who cares as long as he's mauling anything in his path at right tackle.

Mike Florio called Jeff Fisher a liar, then offered no evidence or reporting to back it up. Sounds about right for the NFL's resident insult to brainpower journalism.

Tennessee Titans Morning Links: Ribonucleic Acid Freak Out Edition

August West — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 13:32:56 -0000

More photos » by Mark Humphrey - AP

Chris Davis dropped the ball... in life. /goes back to writing after school specials

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Chris Davis certainly didn't help himself get a roster spot by getting popped for a DUI last night around 4 a.m. The team had already left for Dallas, but Davis was staying behind due to a hamstring injury. In an incredibly weird twist, the arresting officer was the same guy who was suspended after pulling McNair over in 2003, and the same cop who pulled McNair and his killer over (she got a DUI) two days before his murder.

This is about as close as we'll get to an apology from LenDale for his fumble in the Baltimore game, and it was actually nice to read:

"I'm a humbled man," White says. "When the clock strikes triple zeroes and you have to walk off the field knowing you're one of the reasons your team lost, it hurts man."

To his credit, White didn't duck reporters afterward. He made himself available for waves of repeat questions, and came away saying the experience taught him three things.

"I think I learned how to be a football player, and I learned how to grow up," he says. "And I learned I need to hold on to the damn football."

This week's edition of the Friday Jams features my boys Clutch (who I've linked to before, but they're that good), and their binary coded masterpiece: 10001110101.

Follow us through the jump for a mountain of links...

After being told he had too many carries in college to have a long NFL career, Javon Ringer is dead-set on proving those folks wrong. Given that he's about to take a former 2nd round pick's roster spot, I'd say he's well on his way. Here's another post from the excellent blog Sparty and Friends by a Michigan State fan who is pulling for Ringer.

SI.com's John P. Lopez goes through the AFC and comes up with the player each team could least afford to lose. Ours was Boom King, but there are legit concerns about his health that he really needs to answer this year. if he's able to stay relatively healthy, then I'd expect him to have another Pro Bowl caliber year.

Tonight's game is extra exciting for a few Titans, namely former Cowboy Ryan Fowler and Texas native DeMarcus Faggins, as they'll be part of history by breaking in the new Cowboys stadium.

Stephen Tulloch is out for tonight, but plans on practicing all next and resuming his starting role against Cleveland. I hope he can get back to 100% soon, but it is nice knowing that we have reliable back-up like Fowler right there when we need him.

The ever-dligent SoCal points us towards this season preview on examiner.com.

Colin Cowherd is a definite douchecanoe, even if he did side with our boy here. You gotta love that this is cutting edge programing on ESPN. I'm just waiting for them to come up with a Chelsea Handler type show where three comedians and friggin' Erik Kuselias sit around and crack jokes in the 'Best Week Ever' vein... you know this is coming soon.

So will Dungy go out on a limb for the other Vick brother? Hell, the worst he ever did was stomp on Elvis Dumervil back in college. Marcus had the same crappy raising and influences, so where's the out cry for his 'second shot'?

I'll have to admit, when Ochocinco is in a good headspace, he can be one of the funnier players in the league.

Tennessee Titans Morning Links: Lil' Wayne Wouldn't Play 1930's Baseball Anyways Edition

August West — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:53:57 -0000

More photos » by Paul Sancya - AP

Apparently Schwartz is trying to teach the Lions' players what it's like to be a fan of the franchise: constantly teased, but ultimately grasping at thin air.

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Crazy Legs explained to fans and journalists that he's completely team-first, and that his cockiness shouldn't be mistaken for selfishness. Looking at everything he's said and done so far I'd agree. Football is supposed to be fun, boisterous and joyous. This isn't 1930's baseball, folks.

Did Lil' Wayne take Chris Davis' spot on the roster?

I'd like to extend a particularly offensive finger to the Tennessean for playing This is Your Life with Keith Bulluck, and there by making it sound like an obituary for his career in Tennessee. Do I know this might happen? Yes, but please don't make me deal with it this early, man. That's very un-dude.

The Titans ended their OTAs on Friday, despite having two more days of practice available under the CBA. Jeff Fisher says the idea is to not wear the guys down (especially important since we have 5 preseason games this year), and to encourage guys to come to the facility on their own accord. How was it received by the team? Not a single session had to be made mandatory, mostly because attendance was so good.

Which Titans rookies have the best chance to contribute right away? Jared Cook should be on this list, if he's going to be worth next year's 2nd rounder...

Here's David Climer doing what he does best the most: poop on the Titans' parade. Of course to do so he cites a guy who isn't a Titan, and two players who didn't say a thing that put themselves ahead of the team (despite trying to spin it that way). Needless to say, this is vintage Climer.

The journalistic obsession with the Wildcat continues, despite that fact that nobody could run it with success by the end of the season. Offensive revolutions should usually take more than three months to figure out and nullify. I mean even Renee Zellweger had more sustained success than three months, and she's just awful.

Now that the slower period of the off-season is upon us your help in finding out of the way Titans stories is more important than ever. If you have a link you'd like to submit for tomorrow's Morning Links email me at mcmaugustwest@gmail.com! (Be sure to include your commenting handle so I can give you glowing, semi-anonymous credit.)

State of the Tennessee Titans Roster: Wide Receiver

Jimmy — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 15:00:20 -0000

More photos » by Mark Humphrey - AP

Kenny Britt proving that he is better than Justin McCareins by simply holding the ball in his hand. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

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Wide receiver has been the biggest need of the Titans forever, and for the first time I can remember they actually did something in the offseason to upgrade the position. It is too early to tell how much the position was upgraded, but the fact that Justin McCareins is not on the roster alone means that the 2009 receivers will be better.

The Starters

Justin Gage will enter the season as the team's #1 receiver. After battling injuries early in the 2008 season, he finished strong and proved that he is a legitimate receiving threat in this league. He should only get better with a year under his belt in Heimerdinger's system.

Nate Washington was the Titans' biggest free agent signing, and I am excited to see what he brings to the table. His career numbers don't jump off the page at you, but he has been stuck behind two very good receivers in Pittsburgh. He gives the Titans the deep threat potential that they have been desperately needing for so very long.

The other guy that we are all pumped about is first round pick Kenny Britt. There is no way of knowing how much he will be on the field until we see what his progress looks like in camp. One thing we do know is that rookies have a hard time getting on the field under Jeff Fisher. Britt has said that he is already spending a ton of time studying the playbook. That bodes well for him.

The Rest

Lavelle Hawkins better spend some time of his own in the playbook if he plans on seeing the field in 2009.

Hopefully either Dominique Edison or Dudley Guice will pan out to be a solid player. Both guys are products of spread option college offenses but both have freakish skills that could make them big play receivers.

Paul Williams, Chris Davis and Craphonso Thorpe should be looking for "career changes" this summer.

Tennessee Titans Morning Links: All Situations Have The Same Plan B, Just Win Edition

August West — Thu, 14 May 2009 13:50:15 -0000

More photos » by Mark Humphrey - AP

How did Rob Bironas get such a strong leg? Suzanne Somers work-out video tapes, that's how. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

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Jason Jones can't really be expected to make us all forget Albert, but it'd be darn nice if he played that well! Still, here are some good thoughts on that and Washburn's plan sans Albert:

Defensive line coach Jim Washburn says he has dreaded being asked the Haynesworth question the entire off-season, but it sounds like he already has an answer in Jones and the rest of the Titans defensive line through a collective effort, especially if Jones and young players like ends Jacob Ford and William Hayes step forward in 2009.

"I dreaded this when he left, because every person was going to ask me what we’re going to do with Albert gone. I’m just going to coach the guys we’ve got and we’re going to be fine," Washburn said. "If Jason, Jacob [Ford] and Will [Hayes] step up we won’t miss anybody. We’ll roll on."

Paul Williams and Chris Davis know that they're in the position battle that will define their careers, and the competition all pretty much have the advantage on them this year.

Paul K sizes up the AFC South's offensive tackles, and the Titans fair the best of the bunch by a good stretch, both in elite talent and depth.

LenDale weighs in on Reggie Bush's scandalous headlinesregarding how he was recruited and compensated at USC.

Javon Walker had off-season surgery and didn't tell the Raiders, and here Ross Tucker takes a look at the secondary medical advice many players are quietly seeking outside of the team trainers and physicians.

Tennessee Titans @ Green Bay Packers What 2 Watch 4

Jimmy — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 15:44:11 -0000

This addition of What 2 Watch 4 is all about the offense. The defense has played well this preseason, even when missing some key parts, and will probably only see a series or two against the Packers first team.

There is never a must anything preseason game, but if there were, this would be it for the Titans' offense. Since the Packers will likely only play their #1 defense for the first quarter, it is very important that the Titans get in the end zone tonight. I don't care how vanilla the offense is that they are running, there is absolutely no excuse for not moving the ball up and down the field against another teams #2's.

This game is also important for the overall confidence of the offense. Mark Howard and Paul Kuharsky were saying that the body language of the offense has not been good in practice the last couple of weeks. Confidence is one of the most importance aspects of sports. A confident team can often play well above their ability level (i.e. the Colorado Rockies last season). If it takes making plays against some subs for the offense to get their confidence back, so be it.

Vince Young needs to have a successful night. His numbers would not have been terrible last week if not for the drops. He did make one really bad throw, but I think we will all be ok if he only makes one really bad throw a game (assuming that not all 16 of those end up as INTs).

We are still sitting here waiting for a receiver to step up. At this point I am not sure that is going to happen. There was some noise earlier in the week that Roydell Williams could be playing for his job this week. It would be nice to see him step up and make some plays tonight. Lavelle Hawkins probably won't play, which is disappointing because I would love to see him get the chance to develop some chemistry with VY. I think at this point the only receivers who are safe are Justin Gage, Justin McCareins, Lavelle Hawkins, and probably Brandon Jones. Keep an eye on Roydell, Paul Williams, Chris Davis and Biren Ealy tonight. They all need to do something tonight to earn a spot.

The offensive line needs to have a good game tonight as well. The Titans haven't had any problem moving the ball on the ground, but they have had some issues with the pass rush. It would be nice to see them have the dominating performance that they are capable of.